Relocating from another state? You need a plan.

Moving from one state to another can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.

Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. Post some questions on Facebook and ask your friends, or follow locals on Instagram (Ahem….@KirklandPeach).

Have a plan. There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a REALTOR to check for you. I take videos and do on site visits for all of my out of state clients. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.

Use good websites to get an idea of an area like crimemapping.com and walkscore.com.

Get involved. Meeting people in a new city can be daunting. Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive. Have you ever heard of the “Seattle Freeze?” Take the initiative. Try new things. Volunteer. Drink Coffee. Paddle board. Ride a bike. These are pretty popular around here and an easy way to meet people.

Coffee. It’s a currency and around here and an easy conversation starter.

Mind your wallet. Seattle and the Greater Eastside is not cheap. Everything costs about the same as where you are from: food, insurance, clothes, rent. Taxes may be slightly cheaper and WA does not have a State Income tax. So in that regard, you may be one up!

Simplicity Decor in Downtown Kirkland sells all sorts of fun stuff. These bags will help you fit in like a local!

I’m Georgia. My friends call me Peach. I’ve been helping Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate for over 12 years. Looking forward to working for you!